Our series "3 generations tell"
In the editorial office, we regularly discuss topics that move and concern us – about finding a partner, love, parents, beauty, the meaning of life or our relationship to the job. It is always striking how different the different generations tick.
Therefore we started the series "3 generations tell", in which women from the extended BRIGITTE cosmos have their say. It is worth looking in again and again!
Today the question is: "How environmentally conscious do you live?"
Amelie (21) sometimes fails because of her own aspirations
In my generation, environmental awareness is rightly the number one topic, because we have a duty to change something with our behavior! Otherwise, in a few years we will face much bigger environmental problems that affect our lives and that of our children. So environmental protection is important to me – and yet I don't live as environmentally conscious as it would be.
I have my own coffee mug with me on the go, I always buy loose fruit and vegetables (preferably organic or regional), don't drive a car and don't eat much meat. But despite my environmental awareness, it is sometimes difficult for me as a student to meet my own demands for a conscious lifestyle, because environmental protection comes at a price. Organic products are sometimes too expensive for me, as a fashion lover I also buy fast fashion, and I also look around for cheap holiday flights.
I feel guilty about it many times, and I wonder if I would have to do without some things. But I also believe that it is not about giving up everything immediately. It is a big step if we reflect on our consumer behavior and appreciate things more. Every little step for the environment is a step in the right direction.
Miriam (46) is under social pressure
This morning I spontaneously got a coffee to go because at home the coffee was gone. But all the way to work I was ashamed all the time because of the paper cup in my hand and asked myself: What do people in the subway think of me now? And: just don't get caught by your colleagues! At home, my daughter fishes thrown away mascara out of the trash to separate the lower part from the brush and throw it in the recycling bin, and punishes me with watering flowers and sprinkling lawns (water wasted!). And when I go for a walk, I hardly dare to pull a plastic bag out of my pocket to dispose of our dog's heaps.
So far, I thought I was a moderate environmentalist: I travel by train instead of by plane or car, whenever possible, drive a small car instead of an SUV, rake leaves instead of blowing motorized, buy organic food and go shopping with jute bags. Suddenly, that doesn't seem to be enough anymore. Sometimes that annoys me, then I think it's good that something is finally happening in my head – including mine. I just hope that the whole movement is not a fashion phenomenon that will disappear in a few years.
Gudrun (83) protects the environment out of habit
"I think I'm too small to make a difference. Nevertheless, I separate the rubbish because you have to do it, otherwise it won't be picked up. And I need and buy little and don't run after trends. I've always lived modestly and always had the ambition to get by with little money and still buy quality. I don’t waste anything – as a war child I am so used to it. If many people had such a lifestyle, it would certainly also benefit the environment.